CAN To FG: Don’t Gag Opposition Views, Listen

By Ayodele Oni

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has admonished the Federal Government to allow opposition views on its programmes and actions.

CAN, in a statement on the State of the Nation, signed by its President, Dr Samson Ayokunle, observed that “our country faces myriads of challenges that pose existential threats to its unity, peace and progress, especially the unfortunate issue of national security and the leadership has been trying to find a lasting solution.

“On the heightened situation in the country with its attendant fear and tension, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) hereby admonishes those in political leadership of the nation to exercise caution in the way they treat observations of people and comments, so as not to further plunge the nation into unnecessary crisis.

“We urge Nigerians to be modest and factual in their comments and respect those who are leading us by giving honour to whom honour is due; however, that does not erode their rights and freedom of expression by speaking the truth always to those they elected into power without fear.

“We must avoid inciting people against leaders, ethnic and religious groups. We are only calling for restraints and balanced judgement.

“In the same vein, we urge the government not to gag the people or see those who speak about the failures of government as enemies to be intimidated, hounded down like preys and arrested.

“This will only worsen the situation by widening the divide and fan embers of passion.

“It is being reported by the media recently that one Retired Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi has been invited by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over comments he allegedly made on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily Breakfast programme last Wednesday.’

“We thank God that it was a friendly chat as claimed by the Defence Headquarters.

We urge the government to tolerate criticisms that are constructive as they would help in finding solutions to our problems, especially those that expose the ills in our society and the people behind our ordeals.

“This would help us get to the roots of our problems and solve them. We must promote peace, love and unity in all we say and do.

“On the other hand, CAN urges the government of Edo State to rescind its plan to bar people who could not show the evidence of vaccination from entering the church, mosques and public events centres beginning from this month of September.

“While we fully support vaccination, we equally recognize that vaccination depends on individual choice.

“In view of the foregoing, coercing people into getting vaccinated is a violation of the fundamental right of each individual.

“Let the government and all of us be emphasizing the observance of COVID-19 protocols all the time. The vaccines available now in the country through the Federal Government is far below the population of Nigeria need the vaccine.”